Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi said Sunday he was in no hurry to retire amid speculation the veteran might quit the sport after several lean years.

The seven-time MotoGP champion was previously expected to decide his future mid-year, after being replaced at Yamaha by Frenchman Fabio Quartararo for the 2021 season.

Good spirits

But after setting the fifth fastest lap time Sunday from a pool of 26 riders at the pre-season test in Malaysia, Rossi appeared to be in good spirits about the subject.

When asked if he would make a decision in July or August, Rossi told reporters: "The situation now looks like I have a bit more time... I'm not in a hurry."

Rossi, who turns 41 later this month, clocked his fastest lap time at 1min 58.541sec on the 5.5km-long track on the Sepang test circuit.

He also told reporters that he wanted to see how the first half of the MotoGP season went this year.

He said: "The most important thing are the results. I want to try to continue, but I will (only) continue if I am competitive."

The MotoGP will see another test session in Qatar starting on Feb 22, with the season to begin on March 8.